A month in...

I just got home from a weekend away with the boyfriend. I feel bright and refreshed and ready to tackle the week. I also feel sad, lonely and I'm missing him terribly. The good thing is that all this training makes the days between visits go by a little bit faster.

Another two weeks of training are in the books! That makes it week 5 and a rest week. I'm seriously glad to be taking it a little easy this week. Still hitting the treadmill, bike, pool and yoga but I'll be going a bit slower than I have been.

So, here's what I've been up to!

Week of 2/17
Sunday: Swim 800 yards and hot yoga
Monday: Swim 1700 yards and Run 4.4 miles
Tuesday: Bike 20 miles
Wednesday: REST!
Thursday: Run 3.7 miles, Swim 1600 yards
Friday: Bike 16 miles, Hot yoga
Saturday: Run 2.5 miles, Swim 1200 yards

Phew! That was intense. Totals were mind blowing for me!
I swam for 6300 yards.
Biked 36 miles.
And ran 5.2 miles!

Week of 2/24
Sunday: Yoga
Monday: Rest!
Tuesday: Bike 17 miles
Wednesday: Swim 1 mile, Hot yoga
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Swim 1 mile, Run 3.5 miles - Side note PR for both 5k time and mile swim!!
Saturday: Rest - Visiting the most amazing boyfriend in the world.

Less intense, but still a lot.

Now that I'm in a rest week, I'll be taking it a little easier, but still have lots of training on my plate...

Training.

I've been absent. I've been busy! You know what has been keeping me so busy?? Training. My head is down, I'm focused and I'm ready to get this done!

50 Degrees in February! Started this run with long sleeves on and
ditched them a mile in, it was gorgeous and GLORIOUS to run outside!

Also taken on the gorgeous run. I had a moment where I felt great about
my body and grateful that I am able to do all that I am with it.

Getting ready to head out on a bike ride. Planned on 15 miles but my quads were on
FIRE after running (outside!) and yoga the night before...Settled on 10 miles.

February training so far:

Week 1:

Sunday and Monday were rest days
Tuesday: 15.5 mile bike ride
Wednesday: Swim 400 yards (first time doing laps in 10 years!)
Thursday: 3 mile run
Friday and Saturday Rest


Week 2:

Sunday: 1/2 mile swim followed by hot yoga
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 17.5 mile bike ride
Wednesday: 1 mile swim Wahoo!
Thursday: 3.5 mile run followed by hot yoga
Friday: 10 mile bike ride
Saturday: Rest

Talk about growth!

Run.

It seems fitting that my week of goals should start with fitness. After all, that is what drove me to start this blog in the first place. I think 2013 is going to be a great year for me as an athlete! It's the year of the triathlon. Last year I became a runner. This year I become an athlete. Not just any athlete, but a TRIathlete.

March:
Shamrock Scramble 5k

April:
Spring Dual Against CF - Duathlon 

June:
Marlboro Fit Day and 5k

July:
Orange County Triathlon (Olympic distance!!)

September:
Vassar Brother Triathlon

November:
Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon (This one is still a maybe)
New Paltz Turkey Trot

But in the end, it isn't just about these races. I want to work harder towards dropping the weight. Last year I dropped and kept off just about 50 pounds. I'd like to lose the rest this year. I'd also like to feel fit. I want to feel more comfortable in the gym, like I'm the girl other girls look at for inspiration at the gym. I want to feel great in my skin.

I'd also like to get the man on board. He has been the most amazingly supportive force as I've planned out my fitness journey for this year and he is out there running the miles on his own. But, I'd love the opportunity to train with him. He is strong and fit and a great inspiration in my daily life, I think he could do wonders for me when I'm exhausted 3/4 of the way through a workout.

What are your fitness goals this year??

oh. my.

I have news. I'm not allowed to share the news. I'm not good at this. It's not about me, it's about my sister and I'm dyyyying to scream it! It's about darn time!

2013

I know I'm horribly late in setting goals for myself for 2013, but I'm ready to do it now.

In a lot of ways 2012 was huge for me, and in a lot of ways it was very stagnant. It took until November for me to make some much needed (read: drastic) changes in my life to help myself move forward. The good news is that the year ended on a great note and I am staring 2013 ready for some of the biggest changes I've made since college.

Rather than try to put all of my goals into one giant overwhelming post, I'm dedicating this entire week to looking forward and spelling out what I have in mind for myself.

I'm really looking forward to growing as a person, in a relationship, as an athlete and as a cook. These changes don't have to be drastic, but I'm ready to stretch and reach and get to new places.

cozy emeralds

Green is most definitely my favorite color so I was thrilled when it was announced as the pantone color of 2013! That must be a good sign for the year for me. I can't wait to get dressed in this kind of outfit and apply that gorgeous lipstick and spend an evening with the cutest boy on the planet.

cozy emeralds by rundreamcook featuring a collar sweater

I'm working on convincing Sean that I need to come see him this weekend, I'd have to leave in just a few short hours so lets hope that can happen.

But let's talk about that outfit! I love the cozy sweater with skinny pants and flats as a general outfit. Then, add some great flats, sparkly earrings and you have an outfit. Sean loves me in some red lipstick with simple makeup and hair, so that was the best thing to add to this look.

Hopefully you have a great weekend! See you Monday with some goals for 2013!

Gym time!

These are from yesterday, but this evening have a gym date with one of my childhood friends. She's getting married in June and working on a bridal bootcamp for herself.

Here's to big changes!

pinterest love.

Even with my lack of blogging, I've been a pinning machine!

Source: hometowngirl.typepad.com via Heather on Pinterest

I love the idea, but a little less rustic would be nice.

Source: bhg.com via Crissy on Pinterest

Gorgeous simple bathroom.

Source: picasaweb.google.com via Jan on Pinterest

Loving this living room, just with different furniture. It makes me want to snuggle up in there and chat.

Source: twoellie.com via Jill on Pinterest

Beautiful dining room.

Source: hearty-home.com via Mel on Pinterest

And rounding it out with a gorgeous kitchen. Minus the sort of weird rug....

Source: weddingchicks.com via Kelly on Pinterest

These flowers are making me swoon. I'm totally in love with them.

Source: etsy.com via Claire on Pinterest

Valentine's Day is in the back of my mind and I'm kind of loving the silliness of these cards.

biggest loser!

I'm a huge (odd pun intended) biggest loser fan. Last season was ridiculously frustrating and not even a tiny bit motivating. I'm only 5 minutes into the second episode and I'm loving it already.

I love that Jillian is back!
I love oogling Dolvett.
I LOVE Bob's crossfit inspired outdoor workout space.
I love watching kids get excited about moving their bodies. Though listening to their stories makes me cry just about every time.
I'm not sure about the people yet - I hate whining, bitchiness and excuses. So far it hasn't been so bad, but that can turn at any moment.

I hope you're finding some inspiration in the biggest loser this season, I know I certainly am.

Oh life...

Being a bad blogger mostly means that I haven't shared any of the happenings of the last month or so...and my oh my have there been happenings. So, here's a brief update in pictures.

My December visit with Sean. Hanging on Lake Ontario. 

Lake Ontario at sunset. Perfection.

Snuggling Branson

 

Can you even believe how big he has gotten?!

Post Christmas in his new fleece

A new years celebration.

Sharing self-takes with the far away man.

A Shirley Temple for a 4 year old...

Vanilla rum for me...

Beautiful sunset on my way back up to Rochester - while listening to You Raise Me Up.
I had a very comforting moment thinking of my dad.

I am seriously into this man.

Kickin' ass and takin' names.

On the run.

This weekend I finally got the chance to go away again to see a good friend. I've really grown to really live my time with him. I'm not sure where things are going, but as of right now I'm loving every second of being high on happy with him.
Between the start of a new potential relationship, my triathlon goals and the start of a new year, I'm feeling super motivated to get my butt back in action. I've challenged the boy to keep up with my mileage. Once some of the ice melts and I can hop back on the bike, he has no shot! But, this week when the only miles I'm logging are on the treadmill, I'm hoping to hit 12 miles (lame! I know - this time last year I was easily doing 30!!!) But, I also have some pretty intense weight training goals to tackle this week.
Ready for another training journey? I am most definitely!!!!

2013

New year, new start! I haven't been a very good blogger. Life has been crazy blah blah blah. Mostly, I haven't been feeling it. I haven't been a good runner either. I started blogging to go along with my running and without running I haven't had too much to talk about, especially since breaking up with Mike.

Source: pinkofperfection.com via Cathy on Pinterest

So. 2013...The year of the triathlon. I'm taking the running a step further and adding new challenges. That's not to say that I am a running master, but I'm comfortable with it. I need to mix some things up. Joining the pool, spending more time on the bike. Taking on triathlons.

Here. We. Go.

Good morning

I have been a bad bad blogger and I'm sorry! With all the new things going on over here I barely have time to check my email let alone blog about it.

But - the good news is, I'm making time! This week is the start of something new and I couldn't be more excited about it. The anticipation and lead up to this coming weekend has been killing me and it's finally here. So, with sparkly gold nails, a cute dress and a 4 hour car ride...I'm saying wahoo! to new adventure.

Source: sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net via Carrie on Pinterest

Expect me back tomorrow with some killer cookie and cupcake recipes. It's the holidays and I have many things to share :)

holiday love

This is my favorite time of year. I love every bit of what comes along with the holidays, the shopping, the baking, the time spent with friends and family...I love it all. My tree is up, my fireplace is burning and there are presents under my tree. All that is missing is a bit of cocoa with home made marshmallows!
Some other things I'm loving this holiday season...

Source: 02eb09c.netsolhost.com via Beccy on Pinterest

Gorgeous table! I love the colors so much. Cool and cozy. Perfect.

Source: currystrumpet.blogspot.com via Marine on Pinterest

Really pretty. I have a thing of Christmas balls on my mantel, I'll be adding some battery operated lights into it today!

Source: elisabethheier.blogspot.dk via Laura on Pinterest

Beautiful wrapping. I usually go a bit more colorful, but this is still pretty awesome. Sometimes simple and gorgeous is perfect.

Source: luvinthemommyhood.com via Shellie on Pinterest

It's a little girl, candyland Christmas! I love this, even with a pink Christmas tree!!

Source: flickr.com via Janelle on Pinterest

Gorgeous simple decorated cupcakes. I love simple and pretty they are.

Source: stylemepretty.com via arepok on Pinterest

Ok, not Christmas but so perfect.

Source: mindbodygreen.com via Nancy on Pinterest

So true.

Source: pinterestingashley.weebly.com via Kylee on Pinterest

I love this!

city sidewalks...

On Saturday morning, I got up bright and early to head into the city. My older sister, Jenn, is a pre-k teacher and takes her class of 4 year olds to see the tree and Santa. My mom, cousin Dean and I joined in on the trip to share in some of the merriment!